Tagore at Twenty20

Kolkata, May 7 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders owner and Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan (SRK) surely knows how to keep every one happy! Following objections to his pre-match performance Thursday, the birth anniversary of poet Rabindranath Tagore, he has decided to change the programme to befit the occasion. West Bengal Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty had objected to his pre-match performance as the day is observed as Rabindra Jayanti.

“There will be a 10-minute show before the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Bangalore Royal Challengers starts Thursday. But keeping in mind the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti and sentiments of Kolkatans attached to this day, SRK has decided not to perform on Bollywood numbers,” Mohammad Morani, event manager of SRK’s firm Red Chillies told IANS Wednesday.

“Instead we have approached popular Kolkata artists to put up a show to pay tribute to Tagore through his songs and dances.”

“There will be a huge portrait of Tagore on the 36×24 feet makeshift stage in front of J-block at the gallery. SRK will garland the portrait before the show starts. Actors Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are also expected to be present Thursday.”

Sources at Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said singer Indrani Sen and dancer-actor Mamata Shankar along with her ballet troupe have so far confirmed their performances.

Minister Subhas Chakraborty Tuesday said: “Thursday is Pochishe Boishakh - the birth of poet Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkatans celebrate this day with Tagore’s songs and poems. Shahrukh’s performance that day will not be in tune with the mood of Rabindra Jayanti.”